New signs for Bickleigh Bridge

Not quite "please don't bump into me"

New signs around Bickleigh Bridge near Tiverton have been proposed in an attempt to avoid further damage and repairs.

The historic bridge on the main A396 Tiverton to Exeter road has racked up a six-figure repair bill since the turn of the century, following a number of vehicle collisions, though most costs have been recouped by the county council.

Last year, a lorry caused severe damage after hitting the bridge, forcing a two-week closure. The driver misjudged the approach and crashed into the side, leaving it hanging precariously over the edge.

Debate has been ongoing for years as to how best to protect the bridge - over which only one lane of traffic can travel at a time - without overly disrupting road users or spoiling its picturesque setting on the River Exe.

It was closed again on Monday and Tuesday [21-22 February] to repair minor damage.

Double-height kerb stones were installed on the Tiverton side last year, just weeks before the lorry crash. The council’s chief bridge engineer said at the time that it helped prevent the incident from being worse.

Traffic lights have been suggested but are thought to be impractical due to the three-way setup needed and narrow approach roads. A highways officer last year said the delays caused would be “unacceptable.”

At a meeting of Mid Devon’s highways and traffic orders committee this week, details were revealed of new signage that is hoped will better inform drivers, especially of larger vehicles, about the narrow bridge and how best to approach it.

Subject to approval, a new electronic vehicle activated sign will replace a ‘road narrows’ sign near the bridge and junction for Crediton, saying: ‘long vehicles use middle of road.’

Drivers coming from Tiverton will also be informed earlier, near the Trout Inn car park, that the road narrows towards the bridge, while a sign on the Exeter side is to be updated to warn of ‘oncoming vehicles in middle of road.’

In addition, highways officer Tony Matthews said the council was looking at carrying out a survey, using video or number plate recognition software, to look into why lorries are using the route.

The last traffic survey for the bridge was carried out in 2009, which revealed the vast majority of large vehicles had to use the bridge because they needed access to somewhere along the route.

Mr Matthews also agreed to look into a suggestion made by Councillor John Berry (Conservative, Cullompton & Bradninch) for pillars to be put in before the bridge, helping to better protect it from longer vehicles and trailers.